Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is fielding renewed U.S. pressure to organise a presidential election while the country remains under martial law and active Russian attacks.
Why an election is being debated now
Former President Donald Trump this week lambasted Zelenskyy for “using war not to hold an election,” a narrative Moscow has used to portray Kyiv’s government as illegitimate. At the same time, Washington is pushing a peace‑deal framework that could reshape Ukraine’s future, intensifying calls for a timely vote.
Zelenskyy responded that he does not want “Ukraine to have a weak position” that opponents could exploit. He has floated a 60‑ to 90‑day timetable for a ballot, but only if allied forces can guarantee on‑the‑ground security.
Ukrainian law currently bars elections while martial law is in effect, and martial law was imposed after Russia’s February 2022 invasion forced the postponement of the scheduled early‑2024 presidential election.
Logistical and security hurdles
The president highlighted two core obstacles: protecting voters from sudden missile or drone strikes and ensuring the armed forces can participate. Without a ceasefire, more than 800,000 service members could be excluded, and election officials would face lethal risks from frequent air‑raid alerts and FPV drones.
Kyiv‑based political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko warned that “elections always involve crowds,” questioning how ballots could be secured amid sirens and sheltering. Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people and millions of refugees further complicate voter registration and ballot delivery.
Domestic sentiment and possible challengers
An opinion poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found that 63 % of Ukrainians want elections only after a final peace agreement, while just 11 % support holding them now. If a vote proceeds, former army chief Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhnyi – now Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain – is seen as the only realistic contender against Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy also faces internal scrutiny over a recent corruption scandal, though opposition voices remain skeptical of a wartime ballot and note that a free and fair election would likely require at least six months after martial law ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an election currently illegal in Ukraine?
Ukrainian law forbids holding elections while martial law is in effect, and martial law was declared after Russia’s 2022 invasion.
What conditions does Zelenskyy say are needed for an election?
Zelenskyy says elections could happen in 60‑90 days if allies provide security on the ground, a ceasefire is arranged for the voting period, and logistical arrangements allow soldiers and displaced citizens to vote safely.
How do Ukrainians feel about holding elections now?
A September poll shows 63 % of Ukrainians want elections only after a final peace agreement, while only 11 % support holding them immediately, even without a ceasefire.
What do you think would be the most realistic path for Ukraine to hold a credible election amid the ongoing conflict?